Do I Need Professional Indemnity Insurance? UK Requirements

Updated April 2026

PI is mandatory for solicitors, FCA-regulated firms, architects, and surveyors. Optional for others, but clients often require it.

Mandatory Professions

Solicitors, FCA-regulated advisors, architects, surveyors, accountants, auditors, and patent attorneys must have PI insurance.

Optional But Important

Consultants, IT professionals, designers, and web developers don't legally require PI but face exposure.

When You Need PI

Get PI if clients require it, you give professional advice, you're starting a service business, have significant turnover, or your error could cause financial loss.

43%
increase in PI claims over 5 years
72%
of mid-market companies require PI
£150k
average cost defending a claim

Cost of Being Uninsured

Without insurance, you're personally liable. Defending a claim costs £100,000+ even if you win.

"A single claim can destroy a thriving practice without insurance."

— Professional Indemnity Claims Group
Check If You Need PI

Frequently Asked Questions

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